MARTIN MARGIELA UNVEILED
Martin Margiela holds an enigmatic force in the fashion industry, pushing boundaries and challenging the conventions through avant-garde designs. Moreover, on top of Martin Margiela’s avant-garde creations lies a hidden story, weaving tales of deconstruction, innovation and tradition. Unveil the secret histories behind fashion’s enigma…
Official Martin Margiela is a fashion house founded in 1988, which later became the infamous Maison Margiela. It quickly became recognition for it’s unconventional approach to fashion and its annonimity.
Martin Margiela also called the “invisible man” heavily believed in letting the design speak for themselves therefore refused in appearing in front of cameras. These ethos extended to the brand’s identity, operating without a public face and mainly focusing on the artistic and quality of the designs.
The brand’s visual symbolism are the iconic Tabi boot, the 4 white stitches and the replica line. At the heart of the brand’s philosophy lies the concept of deconstruction, including garments dismantled which challenge the norms of fashion. A common signature touch are the 4 stitches on garments which symbolize and lie as a visual identification of the brand.
THE TABI
You might have heard or seen of the Tabi, however do you know its real origin and meaning?
Martin Margiela the designer created the Tabi boot which made it’s debut at the Spring/Summer 1989 collection and now lies as one of the most distinctive design of the fashion house.
The Tabi boots roots lie in Japan and take inspiration from the tabs sock worn by the Japanese with the traditional footwear like zori or geta. They originated in the 15th century and were initially designed for Japanese workers and farmers. The soli-toe design allowed the wearers to navigate uneven terrain and work comfortably. Later on they became a popular shoe among the Japanese and now worn for various occasions, including formal events and martial arts practices.
“My inspiration was still very academic in these days. very British, 1900s, masculine shoe styles on feminine lasts, with high heels that looked chunky seen from the side and quite narrow seen from the back. The chosen leather, assembly and finishing were as those used in traditional footwear for men”
Martin Margiela
TABI UNIVERSE
Throughout the years, the avant-garde split toe has gain media attention and strong recognition in the fashion industry. The boot stretches across countries, worn everywhere on the globe and weaves a story that transcends normal trending footwear and blends tradition, fashion and innovation.
The Tabi Boot together with its unconventional silhouette and avant-garde aesthetic became a symbol of the house and one of the strongest visual code of the house. Alongside it’s aesthetic appeal, the Tabi boot embodies a dialogue between tradition and modernity, from the East to the West.
The boot has now extended beyond the runway and has left a mark in the every day life and pop culture. It has become an essential shoes for celebrities and fashion enthusiasts and is present in many music videos, fashion editorials and social media campaigns.
